Title: Clash of the Bison

Location & Date: Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park | July, 2013

Camera Set-Up: Nikon D800 w/ Nikon 300 2.8

Shutter Speed: 1/500

Aperture: 6.3

ISO: 1600

Note:

In 2013, the bison rut in Yellowstone National Park began earlier than usual – and we stayed later in Yellowstone, thanks to the Great Grey Owl nest. As a result, Jill and I had the opportunity to capture a few images of bison doing what they do best during this time of the year: Duke it out for love. I took this shot out of our car window while stuck in one of those infamous bison jams in Lamar Valley. Though I love that I had a chance to document this annual rite of passage for bison, I would have preferred if we could have kept moving. You see, for all of the talk about grizzlies and wolves being scary, it’s truly the bison that should strike fear into your heart. Weighing more the 1000 lbs and demonstrating a cranky streak a solitary old man would be proud of, this is not an animal you especially wish to get up close and personal with. Especially during the rut. Even from within the safety of the car.